Maharashtra Information

Maharashtra forms part of the Indian Peninsula. This rugged land is far more ancient than the magnificent snowcapped Himalaya. With an area around three lakh sq. km. and the chief language Marathi, this land is ideally visited after the rains between Sept. and March for here it does not only rains it pours, enhancing humidity. Although the modern Metropolis like Bombay and Puna have all the latest facilities, vet excursions and trip to country side would become unbearable due to heat and humidity in summer and rainy season. This is land of Chatrapati Shivaji. Ganesh Puja, of films and its lure has many attractions for the visitors.

Maharashtra Tourism Information

Mumbai

This commercial capital and the Gateway of India is one of the greatest modern city of the world. Originally Bombay was an archipelago of seven marshy islands inhabited by mainly fishermen. Its officials name is Mubai called after the patron Goddess Mumba Devi. In 1661 this port-town, then called Bombahia was given to the British as part of the dowry by the Portuguese, when their Princesses Catherine of Braganza married Charles II of England. The King of England gave it on lease for a petty annual amount of 10 in gold to East India Company, who’s President, Gerald Aungier made many business communities settle and start their business here. The city owes its development to the British. Now most of the major industries and financial establishments have their head offices here. Following spots deserve visit by the tourist.
The Gateway of India: And the Adjoining Famous Spots:
The Gateway, a massive, imposing, a sort of triumphal arch, was erected in 1924 to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Built of Yellow Basalt, it is a fine synthesis of Hindu. Muslim and Euro pean style of architecture. It is a popular shopping centre and many major establishments, hotels, etc., are situated here. Opposite the Gateway stands the equestrian statue of Chatrapati Shivaji, the epitome of Maratha pride and unarguable courage. Close by is Apollo Bunder and the Taj Mahal Hotel. Near here too, past Wellington Fountain is the Prince of Wales Museum, noted for excellent collection of sculpture, painting, has relief’s, oriental arms and other art treasures of great interest are the Mughal and Rajput miniatures housed in the Museum.
Adjoining the Museum is Jahangir Art Gallery where frequent exhibitions of contemporary Indian art are held. Flora Fountain or Hutatma Chowk is the business and nerve centre of the city. Close to the Fountain is the Cathedral of St. Thomas built by Gerald Aungier, the real founder of modern Bombay. Along the Back-bay is Marine Drive, now officially rechristened as Netaji Subhash Road. It is a lovely promenade where people throng in the evening to enjoy the cool environs of the sea.
Nariman Point is the city’s newest and most modern business centre. Across the Back-bay the Drive ascends to Malabar Hill the residential area of the top tycoons of the city. Near here too is Walkeshwar Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Right on top of the Malabar Hill are Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens, known as the Hanging Gardens. Down the Malabar Hill, further along the coast is the Mahalakshmi Temple one of the oldest and most sa cred shrines of the city. Near here is the Mahaiakshmi Race Course which at tracts people from all walks to put in the horse races. The Haji Ali Tomb, right into the sea can be reached by a long causeway during low tide. It is a sacred shrine for Muslims. Near here at Worli is the Nehru Planetarium and beyond it is Nehru Science Centre.

Maharashtra Tour Information

EXCURSIONS

Elephanta Caves

Approachable by launches, these caves have many rock temples which date back to early seventeenth century. The main hail contains the images of Shankar in many postures. There is a regular launch service to Elephanta every half an hour from 9a.m. to 2p.m. from Gateway of India.

National Park

About thirty five km. north of the city lays the Krishnagiri Upavan, now known as Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The Kanheri Caves and the Vihar, Tulsi and Powai Lake the main source of city’s water supply are located here. It is a popular picnic spot with a toy train, a lion safari and Gandhi Smriti Mandir amidst sylvan surroundings on Pavilion Hill.

Kanheri Caves

About 32 km. from Bombay Central, lie these caves, built in 1 century AD or before. They reflect the deep, Buddhist influence. These caves were used as Viharas for the traveling Buddhist monks.

Bassein

Once a fortified Portuguese city, lies 77 km. from Bombay. The old fort and the ruins of the churches here are only silent witness to the pomp and glory that once Bassein possessed.
For shopping Bombay is a paradise for it has e possible available right from the latest gadgets to ok antique items. Gateway of India, Crafford Market, Mahatma Phule Market, Jhaveri Bazar and scores of other big and small market are full of things you would like to buy.
Bombay is well connected by air and rail links not only with all the major cities of the country but of the world. For local transport you have buses run by the BEST, local trains and taxis, autos and Buggis, called here Victoria. Bombay offers a wide range of hotels, hostels, lodges, guest or rest houses and the paying guest facilities suiting every budget. Budget and middle class accommodation can be had around Colaba.

Matheran

The nearest hill resort to Bombay. Matheran, perched at a height of 803 meters. is on 104 km. from Bombay. This wooded paradise is at its best in November and December.